How to Form an EcoCouncil at Your Child's School

By Christine Gardner
Founder, moregreenmoms

Research what other schools around the country are doing and attempt to map some of those practices to your school’s environment. Visit Hope to Action’s EcoAction Schools to learn more.

Communicate with the leaders of your school (i.e., the Head or Principal, Board members and Faculty, PTA or Parents Association leaders) to gain support for launching an EcoCouncil.

Identify key members for this group who can knowledgeably contribute to the strategic vision as well as the logistical implementation of sustainable efforts on your campus. Suggestions for participants on your EcoCouncil include Head of School or Principal, Business Manager or Procurement Executive, Facilities or Grounds Manager, Food Service Operations, Faculty, Board member or PTA representative, Parent(s) and Alumni who may have expertise in sustainable practices, and selected students with interest in environmental leadership.

Kick-off meeting with introductions and discussion of the mission and goals for the group.

Identify areas where immediate “greening” efforts can be initiated on-campus and assign leaders for each task. For example, perhaps your composting program can be significantly improved so the Facilities Manager can lead the effort by making certain the proper receptacles are in place, especially in the food service areas. Teachers and staff can support the effort by creating communication tools to educate the community about proper composting. And students can complete the circle by authoring signs and initiating incentives or contests on-campus to significantly reduce food-related waste. To learn about more EcoActions, click here.

Outline some long-term initiatives that may require capital investment, such as solar energy, and begin to research programs that may be appropriate for your campus.

Develop effective communication tools to educate, inspire and involve your entire community in your EcoCouncil’s activities. Offering on-campus services such as used battery drop-offs or periodic cell phone recycling, or even a great Green Resource bulletin board, will help your greening efforts gain steam.

Share your knowledge with others and participate in the national effort to improve the environmental integrity of not only your children’s schools, but others in your community and throughout our country. Share your stories with Hope to Action at info@hopetoaction.org.